59. Viscountess Astorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider giving effect to the representations asking him to amend the War Damage Act, 1943, so as to ensure that in any case where a person entitled under the Act to a value payment in respect of 1214 a building destroyed by enemy action is 65 or over in the same year as the occurrence of the war damage, such payment shall be made as soon as the amount is ascertained?
§ Sir J. AndersonThis and similar proposals have been carefully and sympathetically considered from time to time, notably when the amending Act of 1942 was before the House, but the Government have always felt that the balance of argument lies against their adoption. The proposals would give preferential treatment to one particular class of persons among many who have suffered financially as a result of war conditions, and even within that class would benefit only a small minority, since the great bulk of damaged dwelling houses (which form by far the largest group of damaged properties) will qualify for a cost of works payment.
Viscountess AstorDo the Government realise that people of 65 or over, particularly those who have been bombed out several times, do not live very long afterwards, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman, even if it is only something, once more consider giving these old people something now and not wait until after they have gone and nobody can get anything?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have given a very full reply.